Book Review: In The Line of Fire

I answer questions well, innately. It is not easy for me to explain this talent.

This book explains how to answer tough questions when it counts. The author develops his own endearing jargon, uses detailed examples, and gives presenters an effective framework. Using the martial arts meme "agility counters force," this book effectively relays the tools you need to practice this skill.

For those of us gifted at answering tough questions, this book is more essential. To become a master of something, you need to consciously practice it. Natural gifting can be the bane of conscious practice because one can skip the learning and jump to the practice. We must learn what we do to become a master. Reading this book is an excellent way to start that learning.

Master Communicator In Action

I can't speak highly enough of Steven's ability to speak.

The video is from a 20 slides for 20 seconds / slide event. Notice Steven's use of gestures, speed / pauses, and his visuals.



My Austin friends should see his new play.

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For those that have read Slideology, you'll recognize Steven's use of their principles, and his creative violation of their rules:

The Solution to "Corpsman"

Last week, President Obama made an unforced error, mispronouncing a word three times in a public speech. Public speakers of all types risk this sort of thing by not practicing.




Practice, which I define as simulating the real thing, makes performance second-nature. Have a colleague watch you give your next presentation. Hire a coach to walk you through your speech. Do anything that lets you get better before you are on the stage. Don't go into any public appearance without having run through your material. Practice may never 'make perfect,' but it always helps people own their moment.

A New Eye Contact Thought

A few weeks ago, I spent most of a lazy Saturday afternoon watching episodes of Embedded, a music show. In the episode featuring Ben Harper, I found a cool rendition of eye contact. In his interviews, Harper often talked while looking at the ground. He looked down until he got to his main point, and then raised his intense stare to the interviewer.



Harper's use of eye contact is effective. When he's looking down, you wonder what he'll say and what he's thinking about. Then when he looks up, you are ready for the inspirational genius to come forth.

Eye contact is powerful. Use it purposefully for effective speaking.